Local 4-H clubs take on state livestock show

The Mississippi State Fair was held from October 6 through October 17, and Oktibbeha County really showed up.

During the fair’s livestock show down in Jackson, Oktibbeha County was well represented with participation from the following Oktibbeha 4-Hers: Dru Prisock, Ethan Berglund, Parker Berglund, Jaiden Claire Everett, Jolene Sexton, Luke Schilling, Rebekah Schilling, Matthew White, Morgan White, and Sarah Robertson.

Prisock received first and second place in the beef breeding competition while also receiving fifth and seventh in the commercial beef heifer competition.

The Berglund brothers (Ethan and Parker) participated in the dairy goat shows, where they both brought home several awards in different classes which included two first place awards, one second place award, four third place awards, and one fifth place award. In showmanship, Ethan placed seventh and Parker placed sixth in their respective age groups.

Everett placed second and third in the market lamb competition and fourth place in the wether dam competition. She also placed fifth in showmanship.

Sexton placed second and third in beef breeding competition while also placing fifth in the commercial beef heifer competition.

Luke and Rebekah Schilling placed third, fourth, and fifth in the dairy cattle competition. Luke also placed seventh in showmanship in his age category, and Rebekah placed third in hers.

Matthew and Morgan White also placed in the beef breeding competition with Matthew placing ninth and Morgan placing second.

Sarah Robertson competed in the 4-H poultry chain and brought home fourth place in the layer division.

Mississippi State University Extension Agent Fran Brock expressed how proud she was of lo

cal 4-Hers for their success in the livestock show, which showed her that they really took care of their animals.

“I am extremely proud of the kids, because I know that they actually care for their animals.

I know this wasn’t an easy thing to do, because this was an everyday project, but what I am most proud of is that not only did they care for these animals before and after school, but they also did so on the weekends,” Brock said.

While the county was wellrepresented during the livestock show, Brock said these

experiences teach the 4-Hers about ownership and responsibility while they are having fun.

“They are basically given these animals when they are born, so they actually raise them, meaning that they spend a lot of time with them,” said Brock. “It teaches them about record

keeping. When dealing with livestock, you have to keep records, so you have to know what you’re feeding your animal, what medications you’re giving your animal, and things like that. They also learn ethics, such as making sure you’re doing everything right and taking good care of your animal, which they do.”